BX vs ZD for mowing

[2manyrocks]

What kinds of loader work? I'm just having trouble thinking of how much and what kind of loader work someone would have that would justify buying a BX size machine when they already have an L?

 

[TMGT]

Is anyone like “why don’t you just buy a cheaper used utility tractor with a loader and keep your ZD-331?”

I have a L3240 with loader and backhoe, just trying to have equipment that can be used year round. The smaller loader tractor is handy for work that the L is too big for.

Honestly the Zd is really too big for my needs, I love it but since I'm not cutting for money anymore it doesn't make a lot of sense.

 

[TMGT]

What kinds of loader work? I'm just having trouble thinking of how much and what kind of loader work someone would have that would justify buying a BX size machine when they already have an L?

Trail work, landscaping around the house, being able to use it when the L is tied up with backhoe and grapple use.

For the short time I had the 1870 I found it pretty handy to have a second loader around. I also borrow my dad Bx1500 from time to time when I need a small machine.

 

[workinonit]

You'll hate yourself if you make this BX move. Maybe not right away but it will happen.

My reasoning is that nothing has ever or presently does cut grass as well and certainly not faster than a zero turn. I've had a shop full of John Deere mowers but the 1211 I have now is the best one I've ever had. Diesel is mack daddy and mulching is the way to go for lawn grass.

 

[TMGT]

I'd agree with you all on points, at least it'll still be diesel and can add a mulching kit.

Definitely will not be as fast, but from my experience it'll only add about 20-30min.

 

[workinonit]

Pics please. When are you getting this beast?

 

[dodge man]

I mowed with a BX for 10 years and have been mowing with my JD 2025r for 5 years. I always see it seems to be a love it or hate thing with mid mount mowers. When I bought my BX I had a mid to lower priced riding mower with a 54” deck. I kept for several months but found out I used the BX all the time and sold the riding mower. I borrowed a zero turn once and if I had a flat yard I would have liked it more. I’ve always liked mowing with my tractors and mow roughly 2 acres with it.

 

[TMGT]

I'm hopefully it up tomorrow, there is something more relaxing about mowing with a tractor vs. the Z. I will miss the nice crisp stripes, though.

 

[TMGT]

Picked up the tractor and mower deck yesterday, long trip but am happy with the condition of both, only thing I need to do to the deck is straighten out the anti scalp wheel mount by the front of the discharge (not uncommon) the paint isn't even worn off the cutting edge of the blades.

Tractor came with the LandPride 3rd function, canopy, and piranha tooth bar.
I might add 2 rear remotes (they are surprisingly not that expensive) and I want to switch to turfs, too bad the old 8in BX wheels won't fit on the front, I have extra wheels and tires for them.

 

[Panik]

Picked up the tractor and mower deck yesterday, long trip but am happy with the condition of both, only thing I need to do to the deck is straighten out the anti scalp wheel mount by the front of the discharge (not uncommon) the paint isn't even worn off the cutting edge of the blades.

Tractor came with the LandPride 3rd function, canopy, and piranha tooth bar.
I might add 2 rear remotes (they are surprisingly not that expensive) and I want to switch to turfs, too bad the old 8in BX wheels won't fit on the front, I have extra wheels and tires for them. View attachment 3167765View attachment 3167766

Cool new machine! I dearly wish my BX had come with remotes - for me a grapple and top n tilt would be the best additions I could ask for for my diesel powered wheel barrow.

Maybe give yourself some time with the industrial tires on that machine. Mine came with turf tires and by the time they were worn out I was quite ready to switch over to industrials. For me, and with the weight of the tractor, I just couldn't get the amount of traction I would like out of turf tires. For my yard, the industrial tires really haven't marked up the "yard" any more than the turf tires - that say I tend to avoid operating on the yard when its wet as I have clay soils.

 

[TMGT]

I have pretty soft ground in places and the R4's will tear it up pretty good when turning. I have a set of turfs that'll fit, although the front are pretty worn.
I also have a set of ag tires, but the fronts won't fit as they are the older 8in wheel version.

I'll probably swap out the turfs from my Sunstar and put the r4 or ags on it as it mostly just pulls a trailer around.

 

[shooterdon]

Always buy what you think you need and want. Glad you pulled the trigger.

I hate cutting grass, so the ZT is my choice; but like you said, it only saves me about 45 minutes over the rider I had. It was a stupid purchase for a retiree with lots of time on his hands but I am happy with it.

My neighbor has a JD 1025 with the MMM and I have used it. Not something I would want.

 

[Fxfymn413]

I had the same choice and also went with the BX2660 with a MMM over 10 years ago. I cut my 3 acres and yes it is slower than a zero turn, but I don't care. Having a multi purpose tool was more important to me than getting faster cutting time.

 

[TMGT]

I had the same choice and also went with the BX2660 with a MMM over 10 years ago. I cut my 3 acres and yes it is slower than a zero turn, but I don't care. Having a multi purpose tool was more important to me than getting faster cutting time.

The grand L and BX definitely compliment each other well size wise.

 

[Brown Dog]

… that said theBX as a tractor and the ZD as a mower each does its job better than the other

You’re EXACTLY RIGHT.
I use to not like having a “one trick pony” piece of eqpt but a Big ZD Mower MOWS GRASS better than anything out there & the lil BX is super handy for small utility jobs.

So @TMGT take advantage of Kubotas 0% financing & buY you a lil BX & PLEASE KEEP YOUR ZD331 for Mowing Grass.
You’ll thank me later I’m sure

You’ll be completely sick IF you get rid of the ZD331.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE my ZD1511 & ZD1611 for mowing grass 10hrs a week & use my farm tractors for utility jobs.

One unit just doesn’t do multiple jobs well at all imho & I’ve been mowing grass for 45+ years.

 

[Brown Dog]

A lot, I put more hrs on the tractor than I do on the mower every year. That's part of the reason to change, hate having a peice of equipment that sits for 4+ months of the year. Because of how the yard is setup it only adds about 1/2 to mowing time.

Not be ugly at all but your not thinking logically.

That Big ZD sitting there all winter long is the best & only weapon to have for mowing grass all summer long.

You’ll get so aggravated every week all summer long taking bucket and / or loader off plus an implement just to mow grass then vise versa for little utility jobs.
Trust me I’ve been there using a tractor 25yrs for mowing grass.

It’s a real PITA & cut quality is poor plus you’ll spend a lot more time weed eating or spraying weed killer using a tractor for mowing.

Edit. Now I see you’ve already bought it Oops
I didn’t read page 4.
I hope you made the right choice for your application

 

[Tomtint]

I had a BX22 as a mower on a hilly 1 acre property. It worked well. The grass catcher with the PTO blower was awesome. Id buy one again if needed. I mow my lawn now with a Walker GHS. It cuts faster and leaves nice stripes, But If I didn't have a tractor as well, I wouldn't have it.

 

[TMGT]

Not be ugly at all but your not thinking logically.

That Big ZD sitting there all winter long is the best & only weapon to have for mowing grass all summer long.

You’ll get so aggravated every week all summer long taking bucket and / or loader off plus an implement just to mow grass then vise versa for little utility jobs.
Trust me I’ve been there using a tractor 25yrs for mowing grass.

It’s a real PITA & cut quality is poor plus you’ll spend a lot more time weed eating or spraying weed killer using a tractor for mowing.

Edit. Now I see you’ve already bought it Oops
I didn’t read page 4.
I hope you made the right choice for your application

We'll find out, haven't mowed yet although I need to.

The loader will probably stay off most of the mowing season.
Although mounting/dis-mounting the loader takes about 5min and I don't have to leave the seat! Kinda handy.

If i had a lot of property to mow, I
I would probably keep the ZD, but it's a lot of mower for 2acres, I never really fully utilize the speed of it.

 

[robertm]

Late to the party, but I have a BX2380, and a Simplicity Citation XT zero turn. I bought the ZT used with 75 hours after frustration with Kubota’s stupid drive over deck option on my BX2670. I was working a deal on on a new BX2380 with a non-drive over deck or a Kubota zero, when the Simplicity ZT came in. Test drove it, and the suspension sold me. Cut my mow time in half on 1-2/3 acres. Shortly thereafter, the BX2380 price was presented, and I traded my BX2670 off.
Now, I won’t complain about my over-priced wheelbarrow, but 3 years later, my tractor has a whopping 36 hours on it, and 20 hours were just put on this spring. I hate seeing it sit, and am considering selling the ZT, as I won’t lose anything over what I paid for it. BUT, it stripes my yard and makes it look great. Plus, for the current time and next couple of years, my son will still be living at home, so the BX and ZT are forced to stay in the garage, as my son and I both charge our F-150 Lightnings in the barn leaving no room for the BX or ZT.
While I don’t need the ZT, I now think maybe I am tool heavy, and should cut my maintenance and storage needs, and dump the ZT. Then just use the BX for everything, which is 80% mowing. Why have the tractor sit? I mowed with B’s and BX’s for almost 30 years with no issues. I love seat time. But for money I’d get if I sell the ZT, it’s not really worth it.

 

[TMGT]

I've been mowing with the BX a few times now, so far I've been very happy with the cut quality. Mowing time is slightly higher but not much, I do enjoy seat time more then the ZD, feels more relaxed.

I even get some striping, not as pronounced as the ZD, but still decent.